HOO-KOO-E-KOO TRAIL LOOPS, MT. TAMALPAIS - SATURDAY HIKE

Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Trail Loops, Mt. Tamalpais

Leader: Ken Robin

Leader Email: k.robin@sbcglobal.net

Leader Phone: 510-926-9220

Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, Feb 01 2020

Meeting Time: 9:00 am

Departure Time: 9:15 am

Meeting Place: Under the Safeway Sign, Market and Dolores Streets, San Francisco, CA

Rating: Level-3

Mileage: 5 to 7 miles, depending upon which loop

Elevation Gain: 800 to 1300 feet, depending upon which loop

Description: The hike has THREE options for loops on the west side of Mt. Tamalpais, with the first 2 ½ miles together: moderate 5 mile and 6.5 mile loops, and a moderate/difficult 7 mile loop. We begin on the beautiful, gradually uphill Hoo-Koo-E-Koo trail, where we probably will see early blooming fetid adder’s tongue. Then we’ll follow a gushing creek down heavily wooded Corte Madera Creek trail. The only steep uphill section is the Horseshoe fire road back up to the ridge, less than a 3rd of a mile. Those preferring the shorter hike will then continue down the H-Line fire road to the Crown Road fire road, which is a completely level route back to the starting point. Elevation gain for the 5 and 6.5 mile loops are approximately 800 and 900 feet, respectively. Those preferring the longer routes (no need to commit to which route until this point) will continue on Blithedale Ridge, with views to die for, until we take the Huckleberry trail down to Crown Road fire road. We’ll continue on level Crown road together until the steep, tricky, but short Barbara Spring trail. Hikers wanting to avoid that can continue on Crown road back to the starting point (total 6.5 miles). The more adventurous go down Barbara Spring trail, and then Dawn Falls trail back up. Dawn Falls trail starts fairly level, but is steep at the end, with a beautiful view of the 25 foot falls. Elevation gain for the 7 mile loop is approximately 1300 feet.  DOGS WELCOME!

Bring/Wear: Water, Lunch, Layers for a Winter Hike, Sunscreen for the sunny areas, poles for the downhill sections and stream crossings.

Rain Policy: Hike will take place rain or shine

Driving Distance: 20 miles

Total Bridge Tolls and Entry Fees: $7

Car Pool Fees: $7 per passenger

Alternative Meeting Place: Crown Road trailhead: Take highway 101 in Marin to Sir Frances Drake west. Continue on Sir Frances Drake to College (fire station on the right), and make a left turn. Turn right at the stop sign at Woodland Rd, and then a left at the stop sign at Evergreen Rd. Continue uphill until Crown Road, and turn left. Parking is on the left hand side of the road. The trailhead is at the end of Crown Road. Google Maps link:  https://goo.gl/maps/RYMexThpKSovHKss9

Alternative Meeting Time: 10:00 am

Alternative Meeting Departure Time: 10:15 am